Kenya Airways Partners with Trace to Fly in Artists for Africa Forward Concert in Nairobi
KQ-AG-CEO-Capt.-George-Kamal-and-Trace-Executive-Chairman-Olivier-Laouchez-scaled.
Kenya Airways has partnered with Trace as the Official Airline Partner for “Africa Forward — Le Concert,” a major cultural event of the Africa-France Summit set for May 12, 2026, at Kasarani Indoor Arena.
The concert is expected to showcase leading voices in African music and Afro-urban culture while bringing together French artists and audiences in a celebration of creativity, fashion, and cultural exchange. The event positions Nairobi as a global stage for African artistry and international collaboration.
Held under the patronage of William Samoei Ruto and Emmanuel Macron, the concert will feature celebrated artists including Yemi Alade, Fally Ipupa, Youssou N’Dour and Abigail Chams among others.
As part of the partnership, Kenya Airways will facilitate the travel of hundreds of accredited guests, including artists, management teams, and production crews arriving in Nairobi from different African and European cities for the event.
Speaking on the partnership, Kenya Airways Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Captain George Kamal said the airline is committed to enabling moments that bring together people, cultures, and opportunities across the continent and beyond. He noted that Africa Forward — Le Concert represents a defining cultural moment for Nairobi and Africa.
Trace Executive Chairman Olivier Laouchez said the partnership with Kenya Airways will help deliver the vision of placing African creativity at the centre of a global conversation while reaching audiences at scale.
The collaboration also includes Trace’s Futuristic Outfit Competition, which will reward two winners with complimentary return air tickets, adding a fashion and lifestyle element to the campaign and encouraging online and on-ground audience participation.
Africa Forward — Le Concert is expected to host about 4,500 VIP guests and reach an estimated 500 million viewers worldwide through Trace television channels and digital platforms, including TV5Monde, YouTube, TikTok and African national television networks. The concert is among the key cultural highlights of the Africa-France Summit and further cements Nairobi’s growing status as a hub for international cultural and diplomatic events.
